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753 BCE
rome was founded
The founders of Rome itself are Italic people who occupy the area south of the Tiber River. By the sixth century BC, Rome was the dominant power of most of the surrounding area. Ruled by a series of kings. -
509 BCE
roman monarchy was overthrown
The Roman monarchy was overthrown and replaced with a republic. For over two centuries following the establishment of the Republic, Rome was constantly at war with the other inhabitants of Italy (the Etruscans and the Greeks), and many legal reforms are made. -
265 BCE
Rome completed domination
Rome completed its domination of the entire Italian peninsula and began its pursuit of a larger empire. The pursuit results in a series of wars with other nations. -
70 BCE
Life of the poet Virgil
Life of the poet Virgil, who writes the Eclogues and the famous epic The Aeneid. -
44 BCE
365 day calendar
Caesar's contributions include the 365 day calendar with leap years, agricultural wealth for Rome and urban culture in the West, and the cultural assimilation of the various regions under Roman rule. A struggle for power ensues. -
31 BCE
Antony and Cleopatra are defeated by Octavian
Antony and Cleopatra are defeated by Octavian, beginning a new Roman era, called Early Empire. The Senate and army bestow the name of Augustus and emperor ("victorious general") upon Octavian -
14
Augustus died
Having gained more land for Rome than any other ruler before him, Augustus died in 14 AD with his rule having lasted 44 years. -
96
period of the ''five good emperors''
This period is commonly referred to as the "five good emperors", a return to a strong and stable government. The five are Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. Several centuries of Roman peace (Pax Romana) across the Empire. -
235
26 military leaders seize power
26 military leaders seize power, including some of Rome's external enemies. -
380
Christianity was declared the sole religion
Christianity was declared the sole religion of the Roman Empire by Theodosius I. By 400 AD, there was a hierarchy including priests, bishops, metropolitans, and patriarchs. -
476
no roman emperors occupied the west
Odovacar, the leader of the united German tribes, assumed the title of king of Rome. This is commonly dated as the end of the Western Roman Empire. After 476 AD, there were no Roman Emperors occupying the West at all.